How To Avoid Moving Scams In Los Angeles

Let's face it, moving is a complicated process. Not always difficult, but often a trying experience, moving forces us to evaluate all of our material possessions and then deal with the logistics of taking them somewhere new. The best results usually come with the help of a professional moving company, especially when moving to, or from, an enormous city like Los Angeles, California. Moving is made all the more complicated by the fact that there are a lot of "rogue movers", companies that use dirty tactics like price gouging or holding belongings hostage, out there. This article is intended to help you, the reader, better understand how to avoid those uncouth companies...

If the price sounds too good to be true, it is. Like any industry, moving companies clamor to provide consumers with the lowest possible rates in hopes of enticing them to use their company. The problem is, rogue companies set their rates lower than any others, because they know that as soon as the move is underway the final price is going to skyrocket. Once they have your belongings, you are going to be hard pressed just to get them back, let alone get a good deal. The best option is to go with a company that provides a logical initial rate which can cover the costs the company will absorb (paying employees, fueling/ servicing trucks, rent for warehouse, etc.). If you get an estimate that seems incredibly low, don't hand over your stuff, because that sum is likely about to rise exponentially as soon as the truck is loaded.

If they won?t see you in person before the move, beware. If the company you're looking at only provides over-the-phone or online estimates, keep your distance. An honest company will come to your home/office/wherever your stuff is to provide a more accurate (and often a "not to exceed") estimate of the total costs. Their goal should be to show you exactly what the final bill will be before they even get started. Online and phone estimates allow rogue companies to provide vague, ballpark figures, that will ultimately balloon up. It's also important to see what kind of people the moving company employs, and they likely have something to hide if they won?t see you before the move.

If the company has a bad rating with organizations like the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), run. Online reviews can be tricky, as most sites allow comments and reviews from anyone, and they shouldn't be relied on as a sole resource for evaluating a company. That being said, the Better Business Bureau actively regulates and assesses complaints and compliments against all moving companies, and is a good extra source beyond Yelp, and whatever other rating sites that GOOGLE spews forth. If the company you're looking at has a low rating with the BBB, its best to further investigate them through the FMCSA, which happens to be a division of the DOT. If they fail the FMCSA test, then it's time to choose a different company.

When in doubt, do more research. The best way to avoid trouble is to know exactly who you're getting involved with. The internet is a fantastic place for information, but you need to be more active and go beyond just the internet. If you can, call past customers, call past employees, whoever's numbers you can get. Really dig in, and find out everything about the company, because they're about to have control over all of your worldly possessions. A knowledgeable consumer is a happy consumer.

Sometimes you just have to try and get more for your money, which can leave you at the mercy of a rogue moving company. If that happens to you, report them to the FMCSA, the BBB, the DOT directly, and anywhere else you think will have an impact on their business. Fear not though, for good companies do exist. Researching companies online will help you get a better understanding on how to find the right moving company for you. Take your time and use the process of elimination to find the right moving company for you.

Source: http://www.streetarticles.com/small-business/how-to-avoid-moving-scams-in-los-angeles

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